June 9th 2024.
David Vigneault, the head of Canada's intelligence agency, recently made two unpublicized trips to India in February and March. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Vigneault's visits were to inform Indian officials about the investigation into the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
During his trips, Vigneault, who leads the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, shared information that was uncovered during their investigation into the murder. This visit came at a tense time between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations last year that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar's killing. India quickly dismissed these claims as "absurd."
Vigneault's visits occurred just before Canada arrested three Indian nationals, Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar, on charges related to Nijjar's murder. Another Indian, Amandeep Singh, was later arrested by Canadian authorities. Nijjar, who was considered a terrorist by India, was shot and killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18th of last year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are currently investigating the murder.
A Canadian government official confirmed Vigneault's visits, but stated that they do not comment on closed-door meetings. However, he noted that Canada has been providing all available information to India since the allegations emerged. This has been acknowledged by Prime Minister Trudeau and Canada's minister for public safety. The official also emphasized Canada's commitment to finding the truth and holding those responsible accountable. They have urged India to allow the independent investigation by the RCMP to continue.
When asked about Vigneault's visits, the Indian side had no comment. Sources say that in addition to Vigneault, other Canadian officials have also visited India this year to discuss various aspects of Nijjar's murder case. India maintains that they have not received any specific information from Canada regarding the case. They have also expressed concerns about Canada's tolerance of pro-Khalistani elements operating on their soil.
In recent months, India has been raising concerns about the safety of their diplomats in Canada, as there have been threats made by pro-Khalistani groups. This prompted India to request that Canada reduce their diplomatic presence in the country for the safety of their officials. Canada responded by withdrawing 41 diplomats and their families from India.
In conclusion, Vigneault's visits to India were to inform officials about the investigation into Nijjar's murder, as tensions between the two countries were high after Trudeau's allegations. Canada has been cooperating with India and emphasizing the importance of the ongoing RCMP investigation. India, on the other hand, has been urging Canada to address the issue of pro-Khalistani elements operating from their soil, and to ensure the safety of their diplomats.
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